Hi Everyone,
Is it kosher to email the char of a search committee asking if he/she could look over my letter of interest or CV so as to ascertain whether I would be a good candidate for an open position their department is advertising?
With all the work that goes behind an application, I would rather not waist time applying for position which I have a low chance of getting an interview for. What are your thoughts?

No, just apply if you think it is a good fit (or even if you are not 100% sure but would love the job/area). The search chair will probably not be able to tell you too much anyways, that is what the application process is for. They will (hopefully) call you in a few months if it is a good fit and they want to interview you!

Just FYI - the more "open" a job ad is the more applicants there is going to be. One job last year that was an "open" TT position received over 400 applications and the school was not even that great.

I agree with anony. Last year I got on a short list, only to be dismissed because I was not license eligible in that state. Had I asked in advance, I could have saved us all a lot of time. This year, I've asked several places - a quick, to-the-point question - and two have said no, they could not consider me; others have said yes, please apply. All seemed glad I had asked.

I'd say don't contact unless you are uncertain as to whether or not you are a fit. But express in the cover letter why you are interested in the job and how you fit the position, that's the main issue.

I think it really depends on the chair. Some chairs might be responsive, while others may be put off. The lack of consensus among the group demonstrates that there are varied opinions on the topic. Without knowing the chair, I wouldn't risk that person thinking that my email was impertinent or naive. I asked my mentors about positions and departments. Sometimes they have some insider info on what people are looking for. Or you can try to get the scoop if you are friends with someone in that department (grad student, professor).

I should have been more specific. I meant, emailing the chair to confirm that they received your application when you have not received confirmation for some time. I thought it would be an indirect way of creating a paper trail but I suppose you could just ask, "Did you receive me application."